The Market of Athens, the centre of the spiritual, political, and cultural life of the city during ancient times (Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Period) is the subject of the new production of the Virtual Reality Department of the Foundation of the Hellenic World (FHW) which will inaugurate “Tholos”, the new hyper-modern Virtual Reality theater which is going to host the FHW’s digital collections starting from November.

The projections to take place in this building of superb architecture and innovative technological infrastructure shall be interactive, partly controlled by the spectator, and not static, will place him very deeply in the virtual world which is characterized by quick response, flexibility, innovation and vividness.

The first section of productions to be projected in “Tholos” is encompassed in the general orientation of the Foundations to the Greek history and culture and its theme is the Ancient Market (Agora) of Athens. Scientists of the Foundation from all specialties and freelancers collaborated for its implementation.

The work “Digital Collection of Virtual Reality: Ancient Market of Athens” is financed (75%) by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by (25%) national resources within the framework of the Operational Programme "Information Society" of the 3rd CSF.

In an effort to present the Ancient Market in a fully and scientific documented manner, the FHW chose to develop the subject in three different tours, lasting 20-25 minutes each:

• “Interactive Tour in the Ancient Market”,
• “Event (dromeno) in the Ancient Market”, and
• “Athena in the Ancient Market”.

The two first productions will commence on 22nd November, when “Tholos” will be inaugurated, whilst the last one will commence to be projected from March 2007. The programme will present representations of the buildings of the Ancient Market of Athens, the way it was in the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman Period according to historical sources.

“Interactive Tour in the Ancient Market of Athens”

The spectators are toured in the location of the Ancient Market and with the guidance of a special museum instructor they may choose themselves the itinerary they will follow.  The Ancient Market’s representation pertains to three different milestones of its history and the spectator is provided with the opportunity to understand the evolution through time and the change of the site’s operations from time to time, as this is depicted in its architectural and city planning differentiations.

In the classical market (around 400 B.C.) the significance of the public administrative buildings is stressed out as well as the existence of a large open space used for gatherings and sports activities. In the Hellenistic years, (around 150 B.C.) the large commercial buildings (arcades) have a strong presence and emphasis is placed on the action of Hellenistic archons. Finally the Roman image of the Market (around 150 A.D.) illustrates its devitalization as an administrative and commercial centre – creating in this manner, space for the growth of its religious and cultural character, the erection of new churches, of the conservatoire, the library and the nymphaeum (second structure built above the arcade).

“Event (dromeno) in the Ancient Market”

A complex theatrical event (proceeding) in which the projection of virtual reality is combined with the actors’ action.

The participation of spectators is necessary for the evolution of the event whose theme is the religious, commercial, and civil operations that took place in the Ancient Market.

“Athena in the Ancient Market”

The existence of a theatrical scenario provides the spectators with the opportunity of getting involved in the presentation and taking roles. With Athena goddess as the guide, the spectator closely watches the biggest Athenian celebration in the Classical times, the procession of Panathinaia, he talks with the participants, watches and takes part in the Pan-Athenian Games. In the Hellenistic era, the spectator witnesses the official registration procedures of ‘mistoi’ (priests) who used to come all over the world to participate in the Elefsinia Mysteries and follows the procedure.

Finally, during the Roman period the spectator lives moments of glory (the visit of emperor Andrianos in Athens) and of catastrophe (the invasion of Erouloi barbarians and the sack of the Market).

You can find more information on FHW, “Tholos” and its future programme at the electronic address www.ime.gr.